The Bassanos: Venetian Musicians and Instrument Makers in England, 1531–1665

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Contents: Part One: Family Affairs: From Venice to England
The Charterhouse and After
The Second Generation
The Third Generation
Economic Affairs, Privileges and Social Standing
The Bassano's Jewish Identity
Part Two: The Dark Lady: Emilia Bassano and Alphonso Lanier
Was Emilia Bassano the Dark Lady of Shakespeare's Sonnets?
Part Three: Musical Affairs: Performing I: The Court Recorder Consort
Performing II: Other Instruments
Composing
Instrument Making and Repairing
Part Four: Concluding: Reflections
Appendix I: Music and the English Bassanos after 1665
Appendix II: Jacomo and the Venetian Bassanos
Bibliography
Index.

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In the 1530s, five Bassano brothers, who were outstanding wind players and instrument makers, emigrated from Venice to England. Dr Lasocki’s authoritative new book, the first to be devoted to the family, is a minutely researched account of these brothers, their sons (and a daughter) and their grandsons. The first half of the book discusses the everyday affairs of the family - their relationships, religion, property, law suits, finances, and standing in society. Two chapters, one written by Roger Prior, are devoted to Emilia Bassano, whose identification as the ’dark lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets is supported by a wealth of evidence. The second half of the book discusses the family’s musical activities. At the English Court the Bassanos made up a recorder consort that lasted 90 years; they also played in the flute/cornett and shawm/sackbutt consorts. As instrument makers their fame was spread throughout Europe. The book’s appendixes present information on the Venetian branch of the family and the musical activities of the English branch since 1665.

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Notes: Journal of the Music Library Association

David Lasocki's excellent study provides a remarkable and detailed overview of this family. Lasocki writes in a fluid narrative style, with thorough detail and rigorous documentation

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